Abstract

Background.
Substantial evidence exists for HLA and other
host genetic factors being determinants of
susceptibility or resistance to infectious
diseases. However, very little information is
available on the role of host genetic factors in
HIV-TB coinfection. Hence, a longitudinal
study was undertaken to investigate HLA
associations in a cohort of HIV seropositive
individuals with and without TB in Bangalore,
South India.
Methods. A cohort of 238 HIV seropositive
subjects were typed for HLA-A, B, and DR by PCR-SSP and followed up
for 5 years or till manifestation of Tuberculosis. HLA data
of 682 HIV Negative healthy renal donors was used as
control. Results. The ratio of males and females
in HIV cohort was comparable (50.4% and 49.6%). But the incidence
of TB was markedly lower in females (12.6%,) than males (25.6%).
Further, HLA-B*57 frequency in HIV cohort was
significantly higher among females without TB (21.6%, 19/88) than
males (1.7%, 1/59); ; . CD4 counts also were higher among females in this cohort.
Conclusion. This study suggests that HIV positive women with HLA-B*57 have less occurrence of TB as compared to males.